PEOPLE in the know say that you haven’t really experienced the beauty of Cardwell until you’ve looked at it from above.
Seeing this region from the air is simply awe-inspiring – a never-to-be forgotten experience of blues and greens, draped mountain ranges, waterfalls and wide-ranging reef system spreading out in bluer-than-blue water.
This district, largely unsung as a tourist destination, is very beautiful and one day will be discovered by the hordes. Until then, be one of the lucky ones who came, saw and was conquered earlier than the rest.
Cardwell is one of the few spots along its entire 1720km length that the Bruce Highway actually meets the beach.
A must-see highlight while you’re here is to visit the National Parks’ Reef and Rainforest Centre. It will give you a good feel for the district and its natural glory as well as some of its history. The centre is in the main street near the jetty and offers a booking service for accommodation and tours.
Cardwell is best known for its access to the unspoiled wilderness of Hinchinbrook Island and for its population of dugongs, which are shy marine animals. Make a point of visiting Hinchinbrook Island - it can be as easy as a day ferry trip or as challenging as walking the famous Thorsborne Trail. Parts of Hinchinbrook Island, though, are virtually inaccessible. If you want to see the stunningly beautiful east coast of the island, there are really only two ways to do it. One is by kayak; the other is by aircraft. (Even walking the Thorsborne Trail doesn’t give you quite the same perspective.)
Proprietor of Cardwell Air Charter, Margaret Prior, has been giving people a new perspective on natural beauty for more than 20 years and she offers a number of special flights around the region.
You can take a tour around the island, go on a reef flight or take the grand tour of the waterfalls and gorges. This is particularly inspiring because not only is it a great way to see the scenery, it’s pretty much the only way to see some of the waterfalls unless you’re an experienced bushwalker used to tramping in wild country.
If you love the idea of flights taking the mundane driving-for-hours part out of travelling, also think about taking a flying trip to Undara Lava Tubes near Mount Surprise or do an eight-day savannah holiday.
It’s all about adding new heights to your holiday - and it’s more affordable than you may think.
